Into nature
The landscape of Northwest Friesland
Vast fields with mounds and dikes serve as reminders of the centuries-long battle against the water. A battle that also yielded fertile soil and thus unique flora and fauna. Farmers gratefully made use of the reclaimed Middelsee to graze their world-famous Frisian cattle or grow potatoes. The land reclamation also provided a major food source for birds, of which a million now visit the area annually. The mounds and dikes, built by human hands, are now monumental.
The longest street in the Netherlands is located on one of these dikes, the Oudebildtdijk. Another, the Slachtedyk, is an impressive 42 kilometers long and over 10 centuries old. On the dikes, one can enjoy the tranquility, the views over the landscape with farms and windmills that drained the polders, or over the mudflats. Not all the water has disappeared; there are still plenty of sailing opportunities via waterways and canals.
National Parks
Nature is always just around the corner in Friesland. There are no fewer than four national parks: Lauwersmeer, Schiermonnikoog, the Drents-Friese Wold, and the Alde Feanen National Park. Each area has its own unique characteristics. And the best part is, you can enjoy them all. The parks are accessible to hikers and cyclists. Water sports are also sometimes possible, for example, in the Lauwersmeer area and the Alde Feanen National Park.
National Landscapes
The Netherlands has 20 National Landscapes. National Landscapes are areas with internationally rare or unique and nationally distinctive landscape qualities. They therefore possess special natural and recreational qualities. Friesland has two National Landscapes: the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden (Northern Frisian Woods) and Southwest Friesland. These two Frisian landscapes are the hallmarks of the Frisian countryside.
It Fryske Gea protects and manages nature and cultural heritage in the province of Friesland. The nature conservation association manages more than fifty different nature reserves – with a total area of over 20,000 hectares – spread throughout the province.
http://www.fryskegea.nl/Default.aspx?MenuID=1
The Wadden and the Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a unique tidal area with a virtually uninterrupted system of sand and mudflats. It boasts an enormous variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna. It is the most important stopover for millions of birds, both permanent and passing through. The Netherlands and Germany have advocated for a place on the World Heritage List for years, alongside, for example, Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The Netherlands boasts more (cultural) World Heritage sites, such as the Defence Line of Amsterdam, Schokland, Kinderdijk, the steam pumping station in Lemmer, the Rietveld Schroder House, Willemstad (Curaçao), and the Beemster.
Waddenvereniging Harlingen is the home base of the (Dutch) Wadden Association. The association promotes the interests of the Wadden Sea. It organizes various activities about, around, and on the Wadden Sea.
Seals are the symbol of the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea is the perfect environment for seals: the sandbanks that dry out at low tide are the ideal place to rest or nurse their young. The Wadden Sea is home to common seals and gray seals. Harm and Josephine of Phoca Waddentochten are happy to take you on boat trips on the Wadden Sea, including a visit to see the seals.
Rescue: Sometimes young or sick seals wash up on the coast. These are collected by special rescue centers where they are cared for. Once they have recovered and are declared healthy, they are released back into the wild. For many years, Leny 't Hart's seal center in Pieterburen has been committed to rescue.
Active and sporty
Cycling in Northwest Friesland
Exploring Northwest Friesland by bike means enjoying the peace, space, countryside, and lakes... The fresh Frisian wind blowing through your hair... and making you forget all your worries. Cycling in Friesland means cycling along lakes, through green meadows, and through beautiful Frisian villages and towns.
Some places in Friesland are easier to reach by bike than by car. A growing network of cycle paths (including several bicycle ferries) allows you to actively explore a unique part of the Netherlands.
By using the unique cycle route network, you can easily create a cycling tour through (Northwest) Friesland that suits your wishes in terms of route and distance.
http://www.fietsroutenetwerk.net/friesland/friesland.htm
Walking
For example: Harlingen - Franeker (18/22 km). For more information and to download routes:
http://www.eropuit.nl/wandelen
Swalkroutes
Feriening Lytse Doarpen, an association representing Frisian villages, has established special walking, cycling, and canoeing routes throughout the province, known as swalkroutes (in Frisian: swalk-rûtes). Guides cost approximately €3.50 and are available upon request from hotels or local tourist offices.
Mudflat Walking
A seal watches you from a channel. Crabs dart away. You're walking knee-deep in mud. And occasionally, neck-deep in water. Mudflat walking is not for the faint-hearted. The view, the nature, and the silence are overwhelming. Black, sucking mud tries to remove your shoes with every step. The trick is to find the right crossing point with your guide! But you have to be quick, because the tide is turning.
Wellness
SMS Chill Time in Harlingen is a unique wellness complex. Enjoy the feeling of a warm atmosphere, away from everyday life. You can rent this wellness area "completely privately" to enjoy peace and luxury with your partner, family, or friends (max. 6 people). At SMS Chill Time, you can enjoy the pleasant combination of peace, privacy, health, and relaxation. We are happy to reserve the space for you! http://www.smschilltime.nl
Sailing, surfing, kiting
In Friesland, you can enjoy spectacular water sports. Experience nature, whatever the weather. Battle the waves. Nothing gives a greater thrill and sense of freedom. With the wind in your hair, brave the Frisian waters and the boundless lakes. You'll thoroughly enjoy the action on board. Hoisting the sails, tacking—you won't be bored for a moment. Windsurfing is a sensation in itself, kitesurfing on the Wadden Sea or the IJsselmeer takes it one step further.
http://www.frisian-sailing.com/schepen
For sailing schools in Friesland http://www.beleeffriesland.nl/watersport?steID=6&catID=1335
Golfing
Golf club De Groene Ster in Leeuwarden: www.leeuwardergolfclub.nl/
Golf & Country Club in Lauswolt: www.golfclublauswolt.nl/
Pitch & Putt Golf Leeuwarden: www.pitch-putt.nl/leeuwarden